Safari overview
Combine Big Five game viewing, chimpanzee tracking and mountain gorilla trekking on one well-paced seven-day journey across Rwanda and Uganda.
This private seven-day safari takes you through three of East Africa’s finest wilderness areas. Starting at Kigali Airport, you travel east to Akagera National Park for game drives and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos, giraffes and zebras, then head south-west to Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking and the famous canopy walk.
The finale is mountain gorilla trekking in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, reached via the Cyanika border crossing. After spending an hour with a habituated gorilla family, you may add an optional Batwa cultural experience before the return journey to Kigali.
Choose mid-range or luxury accommodation to suit your style. Optional extras such as birding, the Nyungwe canopy walk, a Batwa community visit and a Kigali City Tour can be fitted around the main activities, making this a well-balanced trip for travellers who want big game and rare primates in a single journey.
Tour highlights
Experience Rwanda’s savannah wildlife, ancient rainforest and Uganda’s mountain gorillas on one private seven-day safari.
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking in the misty hills of Nyungwe Forest
- Big Five game viewing in Akagera National Park
- Boat cruise on Lake Ihema among hippos and crocodiles
- Canopy walk about 70 metres above the Nyungwe forest floor
- Optional Batwa cultural experience near Bwindi
- Mid-range or luxury lodges in every park
Detailed itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kigali and Explore Akagera National Park
Your safari begins the moment you land at Kigali International Airport, or when you check out of your Kigali hotel if you are already in the city. Your driver-guide meets you and settles you into a 4×4 Land Cruiser for the drive of about 2.5 hours to Akagera National Park.
On arrival, enjoy lunch and a short rest before heading out on a late afternoon game drive. Akagera is home to the Big Five, so keep an eye out for lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos. You will also spot zebras crossing the plains, giraffes browsing the treetops and impalas darting through the grass, while topis, kobs and waterbucks gather near the water. This first drive is the perfect introduction to your safari before you settle in for the night at your lodge.
- Approximately 2.5 hours’ drive, plus a late afternoon game drive
- Mid-Range: Akagera Game Lodge | Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Lunch and dinner
Day 2
Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
Rise early for a full morning game drive through Akagera’s varied landscapes. Your guide navigates the bush tracks as lions roar in the distance, elephants move through the acacia woodland and buffaloes gather in dark herds. Zebras kick up dust, giraffes reach for the treetops and antelopes scatter across the plains.
In the afternoon, board a boat on Lake Ihema, where hippos wallow along the shoreline, crocodiles lie hidden in the reeds and fish eagles and other birds soar overhead. This combination of land and water game viewing makes for one of the most memorable days of the trip. Return to the lodge as the sun sets, full of stories from the day.
- Morning game drive; afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema
- Mid-Range: Akagera Game Lodge | Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3
Journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and set off for Nyungwe Forest National Park. The route passes back through Kigali and covers roughly 6 to 7 hours of driving, winding through rolling tea plantations and past lively roadside markets. Your guide shares stories of Rwanda’s wildlife and history along the way, and you stop for lunch at a small spot midway through the journey.
You arrive in Nyungwe by evening, at the edge of one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, home to chimpanzees, several other primate species and over 300 recorded bird species. Stretch your legs after the long drive and settle into your lodge, ready for the forest adventures ahead.
- Approximately 6 to 7 hours’ drive, depending on stops and road conditions
- Mid-Range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel | Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4
Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe
After breakfast, head to Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking. Rangers brief you at the park headquarters before you set off into the misty forest with armed guides leading the way. Listen for the chimps’ hoots echoing through the trees, since these calls help the guides track them down. You may find them swinging through the canopy, grooming one another or feeding on fruit.
The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours depending on where the troop has moved, and once you find them you have 1 hour to observe and photograph them at a respectful distance. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and some time to relax.
In the afternoon, head out for the Nyungwe canopy walk, one of only a handful in Africa. The walkway rises about 70 metres above the forest floor and stretches roughly 160 metres across the canopy, giving you sweeping views over the treetops. Keep an eye out for black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and Hamlyn’s monkeys, as well as colourful turacos and bee-eaters darting through the branches.
- Morning chimpanzee trek of 1 to 3 hours; afternoon canopy walk
- Mid-Range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel | Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5
Cross to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
After breakfast, pack up for the transfer to the Rushaga sector of Bwindi, a drive of about 5 to 6 hours via the Cyanika border. Your guide helps you through the border formalities so the crossing goes smoothly. The route winds through volcanic hills, and you stop for lunch at a roadside spot along the way.
By afternoon you enter Uganda’s ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Check into your lodge tucked into the forest edge and rest up for the big trek ahead. Learn more about the park through these facts about Bwindi National Park.
- Approximately 5 to 6 hours’ drive, including the Cyanika border crossing
- Mid-Range: Gorilla Leisure Lodge | Luxury: Gorilla Safari Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6
Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Optional Batwa Cultural Experience
Gorilla trekking is the centrepiece of your safari and a memory you will carry long after the trip ends. Start the day with a hearty breakfast, then arrive at the park headquarters by 7:30 AM for a short briefing with Uganda Wildlife Authority staff, where rangers divide trekkers into small groups of up to 8, each assigned to a specific gorilla family. If you like, you can hire a local porter for around USD 15 to 20, who will carry your bag and support you on the steeper stretches of the trail.
The trek sets off at about 8:00 AM with armed rangers leading the way and keeping you safe as you move deeper into the forest. Depending on where the gorillas have moved, the hike can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, so pack light snacks and plenty of water. The slopes can be steep and the undergrowth thick, so suitable hiking boots and a reasonable level of fitness are important.
Once you reach the gorillas, the rangers ask the group to stay quiet and your one hour of viewing time begins. You may see a silverback leading the family, mothers carrying their babies and youngsters playing nearby, while others feed on bamboo, rest on the forest floor or groom one another.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and a well-earned rest. In the evening, you may join an optional Batwa cultural visit to meet the forest’s original inhabitants, listen to their traditional songs and learn about their hunting dances. This activity can be arranged at an extra cost.
- Allow most of the day for trekking; walking time varies from 1 to 6 hours
- Mid-Range: Gorilla Leisure Lodge | Luxury: Gorilla Safari Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7
Return to Kigali for Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast at your Bwindi lodge before the drive of 5 to 6 hours back to Kigali, winding through the border and the surrounding hills. You stop for lunch once you reach Kigali City.
Depending on your flight time, there is an option to fit in a Kigali City Tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you can walk the memorial grounds and read survivors’ accounts as you learn about Rwanda’s history and its remarkable recovery. Your driver-guide then drops you at the airport or your hotel, bringing your safari to a close. Border crossing times can vary, so allow a comfortable margin before your flight.
- Approximately 5 to 6 hours’ drive, plus border formalities and traffic
- No accommodation unless an extra night is requested
- Breakfast and lunch
Request a quote
Tell us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and accommodation choice. A safari specialist will prepare a tailored quotation for your Uganda and Rwanda primates and game safari adventure.
- Free, no-obligation quote
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permit arrangements
- Mid-range or luxury lodge selection
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FAQs for 7-Day Uganda and Rwanda Primates with Game Safari
Planning to combine Big Five game viewing in Akagera, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe and gorilla trekking in Bwindi? These are the questions travellers ask most often, answered honestly so you can plan your trip and book with confidence.
What is the price of this safari and what does it cover?
The 7-Day Uganda and Rwanda Primates with Game Safari starts from $2,730 per person sharing. That price covers private 4×4 transport with an experienced driver-guide, fuel, meals and accommodation as listed in the itinerary, park entrance fees, your Uganda gorilla trekking permit, your Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking permit, the boat cruise on Lake Ihema, bottled drinking water, and government taxes. International flights, extra nights before or after the trip, tips, souvenirs, porter hire, and optional activities such as the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience are not included. Permit and park fees are set by the wildlife authorities and can change, so your final quotation confirms the exact cost for your chosen accommodation level, group size and travel dates.
How does the 7-day Uganda and Rwanda primates itinerary work?
Day one begins at Kigali airport with the drive to Akagera National Park and a late afternoon game drive. Day two is a full day of game viewing with an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema. On day three you drive to Nyungwe Forest, and day four is for chimpanzee trekking followed by the canopy walk. Day five takes you across the Cyanika border to the Rushaga sector of Bwindi in Uganda, day six is for gorilla trekking, and day seven is the drive back to Kigali for your onward journey.
How long are the drives between Kigali, Akagera, Nyungwe and Bwindi?
Kigali to Akagera takes about 2.5 hours. The drive from Akagera to Nyungwe passes back through Kigali and takes roughly 6 to 7 hours, and the transfer from Nyungwe to Bwindi via the Cyanika border takes about 5 to 6 hours. On the final day, the road from Bwindi back to Kigali also takes around 5 to 6 hours. Days three, five and seven are therefore long travel days, and your driver-guide plans lunch stops and scenic breaks along the way and times the last leg around your flight schedule.
What wildlife can I expect in Akagera National Park?
Akagera is Rwanda’s only Big Five park, home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos. You can also expect zebras, giraffes, impalas, topis, kobs and waterbucks on the plains, plus hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles along Lake Ihema during the afternoon boat cruise. Leopards and rhinos are elusive, so seeing all five in two days is possible but never certain. Your driver-guide uses the late afternoon drive on day one and the full day on day two to give you the best chances.
How does chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest work?
You report to the park headquarters for a ranger briefing, then set off into the forest with armed guides. Finding the troop can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours depending on where the chimpanzees have moved, and once you reach them you have 1 hour to observe and photograph them from a respectful distance. Listen for their hoots echoing through the trees, as this helps the guides track them down. The terrain can be steep and muddy, so sturdy boots and a rain jacket are essential.
What is the Nyungwe canopy walk like?
The canopy walk takes place on the afternoon of day four, after your chimpanzee trek and lunch. The walkway rises about 70 metres above the forest floor and stretches roughly 160 metres across the treetops, giving you sweeping views over the forest. It is one of only a handful of canopy walkways in Africa and a good spot for black and white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Hamlyn’s monkeys, turacos and bee eaters. If you are nervous about heights, tell your driver-guide, as the walk is narrow and you will be suspended high above the ground.
How long will I spend with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi?
You report to the park headquarters by 7:30 AM for a briefing, and the trek sets off at 8:00 AM with armed rangers leading the way. The hike can last anywhere from 1 to 6 hours depending on where the gorilla family has moved overnight. Once the trackers locate them, you are allowed one hour with the gorillas. Trekkers are grouped in small numbers, with a maximum of eight people per gorilla family each day, so you can watch the silverback, mothers and playful juveniles in a calm setting without flash photography.
Can I choose which gorilla family I trek?
Gorilla families are assigned by park rangers at the morning briefing rather than chosen in advance. Rangers consider the fitness levels and preferences of the group, so travellers who prefer a gentler hike can request an easier family and those who want a longer trek can ask for a more distant one. Assignments depend on the day and on where each family is located. Mention any mobility or fitness concerns to your driver-guide early so they can raise them with the rangers, and consider hiring a porter if the slopes worry you.
Is there a minimum age for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking?
Yes. Visitors must be at least 15 years old to track mountain gorillas in Uganda, and park authorities strictly enforce this rule. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe has its own age limit, which we confirm with you at booking. Younger children cannot join the gorilla trek, even with a parent. If you are travelling as a family, tell us the ages of everyone in your group before booking so we can discuss alternatives, such as the Akagera game drives and boat cruise, which suit all ages.
What rules should I follow near the gorillas and chimpanzees?
Follow your ranger’s instructions at all times. Keep the distance the rangers specify, speak quietly, and avoid sudden movements. Do not use flash photography, and never touch or feed the animals. Do not eat, drink, or smoke near them. If a gorilla or chimpanzee comes close, stay calm and let it pass. Apes are vulnerable to human illnesses, so visitors also follow the hygiene and health guidance given during the briefing, including wearing a face mask when instructed.
What happens if I feel sick before a primate trek?
Tell your driver-guide and park staff straight away if you have a cold, flu symptoms, diarrhoea, or any other contagious illness. Gorillas and chimpanzees can catch human diseases, so rangers may stop visitors who are unwell from trekking. Whether you can reschedule or receive a refund depends on the permit conditions set by the wildlife authorities in Uganda and Rwanda. We recommend travel insurance that covers medical issues and trip interruption, and we encourage you to rest and stay hydrated before each trek day.
Am I guaranteed to see the gorillas, chimpanzees and Big Five?
Sightings of habituated gorilla families and chimpanzee troops are highly likely because trackers follow them daily and guide you to them. However, these are wild animals, so no operator can offer an absolute guarantee, and the length of each trek depends on where the animals have moved. The same applies to the Big Five in Akagera, where lions, elephants and buffaloes are commonly seen, while leopards and rhinos need more luck. Our team secures your permits in advance and plans the itinerary to give you the best practical chance of success.
How does the border crossing and visa work for Rwanda and Uganda?
On day five you cross from Rwanda into Uganda at the Cyanika border, and your driver-guide helps you through the formalities so the crossing goes smoothly. Entry requirements depend on your nationality, so check the current rules for both countries before you travel. Many visitors can obtain visas online or on arrival, and travellers visiting several East African countries may qualify for a regional tourist visa. Because you leave Rwanda and later return to Kigali for your flight, make sure your visa allows re-entry. Your passport should be valid for at least six months, and your doctor can advise on recommended vaccinations and any yellow fever certificate requirements for your route.
What accommodation is used on this safari?
In Akagera, mid-range guests stay at Akagera Game Lodge and luxury guests at Ruzizi Tented Lodge. In Nyungwe, the options are Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (mid-range) and One&Only Nyungwe House (luxury). In Bwindi’s Rushaga sector, you stay at Gorilla Leisure Lodge (mid-range) or Gorilla Safari Lodge (luxury). Meals are included as listed in the itinerary, and day seven has no accommodation unless you request an extra night at an additional fee. Lodges are subject to availability at the time of booking, and we may suggest comparable alternatives if your first choice is full.
Can I add the Batwa cultural visit or a Kigali city tour?
Yes. On the evening of your gorilla trek, you can add a Batwa cultural visit to meet the forest’s original inhabitants, hear their traditional songs and learn about their hunting dances. On the final day, depending on your flight time, you can also fit in a Kigali city tour that includes the Kigali Genocide Memorial. The Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience is another optional extra. These activities are not part of the starting price, so let us know which ones you want and we will include them in your quotation.
Should I tip my driver-guide, rangers, and porters?
Tips are not included in the safari price, but they are a customary way to thank the people who look after you. Many travellers tip their driver-guide at the end of the trip and give separate tips to park rangers, trackers and porters after each trek. Porter hire is optional, costs around $15 to $20, and supports families living around the park. There is no fixed amount for tips, so tip according to the service you receive and what feels comfortable.
What should I do about travel insurance and money?
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical care, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and interruption. Carry some US dollars in recent, undamaged notes for tips, porters and small purchases, and bring a card for lodge extras where accepted. Because you travel through two countries, a little local currency is also handy. Rwanda has banned single-use plastic bags, so do not pack them in your luggage, as officials may confiscate them at the airport.
How do I book this safari and what happens next?
Send us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers, and accommodation level. We first check gorilla and chimpanzee permit availability, then prepare a detailed quotation with your lodges, inclusions, and total cost. Once you approve the itinerary and agree the payment terms, we purchase your permits and confirm the lodge and transport reservations. Because permits are limited, booking 4 to 6 months ahead is wise, especially for the dry seasons and holiday periods.